Evaluation of Root Canal Morphology in Mandibular Premolars in an Iraqi Subpopulation Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography (Retrospective study)

Objective: The effectiveness of root canal therapy relies on a thorough study of root canal anatomy, with mandibular premolars exhibiting a notable degree of diversity in this regard. The objective of this research was to utilize cone-beam computed tomography in order to determine the prevalence of mandibular premolar root canal configuration within a specific subpopulation in Iraq. Methods: Using cone-beam computed tomography scans, 404 mandibular premolars from 101 patients were evaluated retrospectively. The Vertucci classification and its subsequent modifications were employed to document and categorize the morphology of root canals and examine its relationship with gender, age of the patients, and unilateral/bilateral symmetry. The statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test or Fisher exact test, with a predetermined significance level of 5% (p≤0.05). Results: Around half (45%) of the first premolar teeth were of type I, 22.8% were of type V, 11.4% were of type III, and 10.4% were of type IX. No significant difference was detected between males and females regarding the types of canal configuration in mandibular first premolar teeth. Meanwhile, more than half